Dimapur, August 7 (MExN): Emphasising the need to bridge growing societal divisions, the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) and the Central Nagaland Legislative Forum (CNLF) on Friday convened a joint coordination meeting, bringing together legislators, tribal leaders, and civil society representatives from the Ao, Lotha, and Sümi communities to deliberate on issues concerning the welfare and future of Central Nagaland and Nagaland as a whole.
The meeting, held at the Dimapur Town Hall, witnessed the participation of Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton (Home & Border Affairs); Minister for Roads & Bridges G Kaito Aye; Minister for Rural Development Metsubo Jamir; Deputy Speaker S Toiho Yeptho; Adviser Tongpang Ozukum; Minister for Tourism and Higher & Technical Education Temjen Imna Along; Adviser for Industries & Commerce Hekani Jakhalu; Adviser for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan; Adviser for Excise, Labour & Employment and Skill Development Moa Toshi; Adviser for Food & Civil Supplies KT Sukhalu; Adviser for Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Kazheto Kinimi; Adviser for Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation Daochiir L Imchen; and MLA Dr Sukhato A Sema, among others.
An update received here stated that in his welcome address, CNTC President Hukiye K Yepthomi underscored the importance of strengthening unity, cooperation and coordinated efforts among the people for the greater interest of society.
The call for collective action was echoed by tribal heads and frontal organisation leaders, including Ao Senden President Marsanen, Lotha Hoho Chairman Er Mhondamo Ovung, and Sümi Hoho President Dr. Vihuto Assumi, along with heads of various other frontal bodies. In their addresses, they emphasised the “need for stronger unity, mutual trust and closer cooperation among all sections of Naga society.” They called upon CSOs “to work collectively in addressing common challenges, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood, and contributing towards peace, harmony and inclusive development across Nagaland.”
Addressing the gathering, G Kaito Aye, Y Patton, Metsubo Jamir, S Toiho Yeptho, and Tongpang Ozukum stressed that Naga society has become increasingly fragmented and underscored the need for greater unity. They expressed confidence that the “CNTC would serve as an effective platform for dialogue, coordination, and collective action.” The legislators further observed that the Ao, Lotha, and Sümi communities, being among the “leading communities of the State,” have a shared responsibility to work together and contribute meaningfully towards the welfare, stability, and overall progress of Nagaland.
The meeting also witnessed the participation of representatives from a wide spectrum of organisations, including Ao Senden, Lotha Hoho, Sümi Hoho, Sümi Kükami Hoho, Western Sümi Hoho, Ao Officers' Telongjem, Lotha Gazetted Officers' Association, Sümi Officers' Union Nagaland, Central Nagaland Women Association, Watsu Mungdang, Lotha Eloe Hoho, Sümi Totimi Hoho, Central Nagaland Students' Association, Ao Kaketshir Mungdang, Lotha Students' Union, Sümi Kiphimi Küqhakulu, Ao Lanur Telongjem, Lotha Youth Hoho, Sümi Youth Organisation, Western Sümi Youth Front, Ao Union Club, Dimapur Lotha Hoho, Dimapur Sümi Students' Union, Western Sümi Totimi Hoho, Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation, Sümi Games & Sports Association, Ao Students' Union Dimapur, former CNTC officials, Dimapur Lotha Eloe Ekhung, Kohima Sümi Hoho, and CLH.
The programme also featured special musical presentations. The inaugural session was chaired by Longshi Kikon, Vice President of CNTC, while the second session was moderated by Vikato I. Chishi, Information & Publicity Secretary of CNTC. Temjen I Jamir, Vice President of CNTC, delivered the vote of thanks, and the programme concluded with the benediction.
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